William Eugene (Bill) Benner gently passed away at his home Sunday, June 27, 2010, after an illness of Gardner’s Syndrome and liver cancer. Bill was born Aug. 24, 1947, in Britt, Iowa. His parents were Lester and LaVon (O’Rourke) Benner. They moved the family to Mason City, Iowa and then to Hollandale.
Bill attended Albert Lea High School, electrician school and served in the U.S. Navy. He loved family, friends, games and adventure. His life work and passion was carnival sales, traveling throughout the country, touching the lives of many.
Bill is survived by his best friend, Curt Jensen, Albert Lea; his children: Brad (Sheri) Benner from Sea-Tac, Wash., Chad (Nikki Roell) Benner, Albert Lea, Sheena (Ronnie Davis) Meyer, Albert Lea; his loving grandchildren: Stephany, Cody, Tory, Kaysie, Natasha, Kody and Jazmine; and step-grandchildren: Zoey, Lance, Dylan and Damian; his siblings: Georgia (special friend Duane Enderson) Alt, Kay (Tom) Sawyer, Chuck (Joyce) Benner; Sheila (Dan) McNallan, John Benner, Marie (Terry Hockert) Schaub, and Brian Benner. He will be remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Lester and LaVon Benner; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his grandson, Trevor Benner, age 7.
Bill donated his body to Mayo Medical Research, so there will be no internment at this time.
A memorial service wilt be held on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. in the St. Theodore school gymnasium at 323 E. Clark St. Albert Lea.
Thank you to Crossroads Community Hospice for all of your help.
Blessed be his memory.